Avocado Tree History
Avocados are one of the oldest fruits known to humans, with its origin actually dating back to 8000BC in Peru and Mexico. An avocado tree has been around for millennia and its popularity has skyrocketed in recent years due to the high nutritional value of the fruit, its creamy texture and health benefits.
An avocado tree has a lifespan of 10-15 years and produces flowers and fruits in most tropical and some Mediterranean climates, so it’s a great option for farmers and hobbyists who want to add a little extra to their culinary and decorative landscape.
An avocado tree stands between 10 and 25ft tall, making it an ideal, non-maintenance pet for small to large garden areas. Its shiny dark green leaves are quite handsome and sturdy, and it gives off small, fragrant white flowers when it matures.
Avocado Tree Benefits
Avocado trees offer many benefits for gardeners and farmers, including the succulent taste of their fruit, which ranges from sweet to savory. Avocado trees also provide decorative features for outdoor spaces and can be grown in containers for balcony gardening. Additionally, the wood and trees can help protect against wind and dampness, which can damage other plants in the garden.
Avocado trees are also beneficial in that they can produce their fruit all year long, which means they’re always in season. Plus, their fruit can be frozen and eaten even when not in season.
Most importantly, however, the avocado tree is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Additionally, it’s a great source of Vitamin B6 and folate, which helps with brain and heart health.
How much does an avocado tree cost?
The cost of an avocado tree depends on the age and size of the tree, as well as where the tree was purchased from. Generally, an avocado tree can cost anywhere between $15 to $100.
Many online nurseries, like Plantables and Burpee, sell healthy avocado trees but they can be quite expensive. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, it may be best to purchase a young avocado tree instead. At Plantables, for example, young trees are sold for only around $25, whereas an established tree can cost up to $90.
Where to buy an avocado tree
Avocado trees can be purchased online from online nurseries like Plantables and Burpee, or from local markets and nurseries. You can also check your local Home Depot and Big Box stores; they might have a healthy avocado tree in stock.
Avocado trees can also be purchased directly from farmers. Buying from a farm comes with benefits such as knowing the tree’s origin and even being able to inquire about the tree’s health.
Best type of avocado tree
Some of the best types of avocado tree for California include the Hass, Booth, and Fuerte varieties. It’s important to note that the climate in California is warm and dry, so trees should be planted in well-drained soil and in partly shaded areas.
The Hass tree is ideal for California homeowners because it is a winter-hardy variety with high production. Booth is a hardy yet drought-tolerant tree, while the Fuerte tree has large glossy green foliage, making it perfect for landscaping.
How to care for an avocado tree
When caring for an avocado tree, it is important to water it properly and to apply adequate amounts of fertilizer. This will help ensure that the tree is healthy and produces lots of delicious fruit.
For young avocado trees, you should water them at least two times a week. As the tree matures and produces fruits, you should increase the amount of water to four times a week.
It is also important to prune your tree regularly in order to encourage flowering and the production of healthier fruits. You should also check for pests and diseases regularly and address any issues with the tree’s health as soon as possible.
Grafting an avocado tree
Grafting is a process where the desired type of avocado tree is grafted onto a rootstock plant. Grafting helps to ensure that the tree is healthy and produces the desired fruit.
In order to ensure success in grafting, the rootstock and desired tree must have compatible characteristics, such as a similar climate tolerance. Additionally, the rootstock must be healthy and free of any disease.
If done properly, grafting can help the tree produce fruits several years before it would if left to grow naturally. It is also important to note that grafting requires a certain amount of skill and experience, so you may want to leave it to experienced gardeners and farmers.
Propagating an avocado tree
Unlike grafting, propagating an avocado tree does not require a nursery or a greenhouse. Growing avocado trees from cuttings or seed is relatively easy and can be done in your backyard.
When propagating from seeds, the seeds must be soaked in warm water for two days, and then planted in a pot filled with moist soil. The pot should be placed in an area with plenty of sunlight, and the seedlings need to be watered on a regular basis.
When propagating from cuttings, the stems must be four to eight inches in length and be free of any disease and pests. The stem should be placed in a prepared pot with moist soil, and then left to root in a warm and sunny spot.
Harvesting and storing avocados
Avocados are ready to be harvested when they reach full maturity. The fruit should be soft to the touch and easily falls away from the tree with a slight tug.
Once harvested, the fruit should be stored in the refrigerator. If the avocados are unripe, leave them at room temperature for a few days until they reach the desired level of ripe. If storing for longer periods of time, the avocados can be frozen, or the seed can be dried and stored.
Troubleshooting an avocado tree
Avocado trees can be prone to certain diseases and pests, so it is important to stay vigilant and address any issues quickly. Common issues include poor drainage, nutrient deficiencies, and over-fertilization. Additionally, be on the lookout for pests like scale and mealybugs as they can do serious damage to the tree if left untreated.
The most important thing to remember is to act quickly, spot any issues as soon as possible and treat them accordingly with natural pest and disease control options.
Growing an avocado tree from seed
Growing an avocado tree from seed is an economic and fun way to get a tree in your garden. All you need is a single avocado, a seedling pot, some soil and some water!
The seed should be washed with warm water, dried, and then poked with four toothpicks so that it can be balanced in the seedling pot without touching the sides or bottom. Then, fill the pot with moist soil and place the seed on top. Lastly, water the pot on a regular basis and make sure it’s in a warm and sunny spot.
In time, the seed will germinate, the roots will grow and eventually a sapling will emerge. It’s a slow process but with patience and dedication, a new avocado tree will emerge.
Coconut and avocado together?
Coconut and avocado is an interesting and unusual flora combination which many gardeners have started to experiment with. The beauty of the two plants lies in their versatility since both can be grown in containers, making it easy for those who don’t have enough space for two trees.
Additionally, the two plants are both evergreens and thrive in tropical climates, making them a perfect pair for those who live in hot and humid regions. And don’t forget about their practical benefits as well, since having a coconut tree nearby means you can harvest its coconuts, as well as the avocados from the avocado tree.
When planting, it is important to keep in mind to leave enough space for the trees to grow and not to plant the avocado tree too close to the coconut tree, as this may cause its roots to absorb nutrients needed by both plants.
Companion plants of the avocado tree
The avocado tree works great with companion plants such as oregano, sage, lavender, and thyme, as they repel some pests and attract bees and butterflies. Additionally, planting a variety of herbs and flowers around the avocado tree can also help to attract beneficial insects.
The most important thing to remember is to ensure that you don’t crowd the tree, as it needs plenty of sun, air and water to thrive.
Conclusion
The avocado tree is a beautiful and exotic plant, which can be grown in tropical and Mediterranean climates. Its mature size of 10-25 feet makes it ideal for small and large gardens and it is packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin K, iron, and potassium. Plus, the avocado tree can provide fruit all year round, making it one of the most desirable plants to grow.
The cost of an avocado tree depends on from where it was purchased and its age and size, and can range from $15 to $100. Additionally, there are different varieties of avocado tree, including the Hass, Booth, and Fuerte, which are ideal varieties for California climates.
Caring for an avocado tree requires regular watering and fertilizing, and pruning. Grafting and propagating are popular options for more experienced gardeners, while growing from seed is an enjoyable activity for those just getting started.
No matter your experience, an avocado tree is perfect addition to any outdoor space, not just for its decorative factors, but also for its nutritious fruit and health benefits.
